Latest news with #Latina-owned
Cosmopolitan
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
20 Asian-Owned Clothing Brands to Shop in 2025
There's an endless amount of clothing brands out there to shop from. Like, it's hard to keep track of all the cool new labels that pop up every other day, especially if you're trying to be a more mindful shopper and give love to small businesses that resonate with you. So if you're tired of fast fashion and are looking for Asian-owned clothing brands to support, we put together a list of Asian designers and founders that should be on your radar. From colorful knitwear and jade jewelry to luxe silks inspired by traditional motifs, there's something here for everyone. Some of the brands below are high-end and more established while others on this list are more up-and-coming and relatively new, but all of them warrant your attention for their too-good-to-be-true selection. And if you want to check out Black-owned brands, Indian fashion designers, and Latina-owned businesses, we have those, too! Keep scrolling below for 35 Asian-owned clothing brands and accessory brands that you'll want to start shopping immediately. Created by husband and wife duo Yang Pei and Stephanie Li, this bag brand boasts accessible, affordable, trendy designs that often use vegan leather and recycled plastic. The pieces have been spotted on many a celeb and look more expensive than they actually are, which is great news for your wallet. Founded by three Singaporean women, Love, Bonito is synonymous with wardrobe classics for the long haul. Whether it's workwear or something sparkly, there's a style in mind for every kind of shopper. Launched just a few years ago in 2023, Maile is a designer shoe and accessory brand that often features fun silhouettes, bright colors, and whimsical embellishments like pearls and feathers. If this chic French brand isn't on your radar, it should be. Jessy Chu founded the brand after the birth of her son as a new creative endeavor to establish her identity outside of the home, and the slinky fabrics, romantic floral motifs, and Chinese-inspired detailing are to die for. Clare Ngai founded her accessory brand BonBonWhims in the summer of 2020. Two words to describe it: Maximalist and Y2K. You can count on BonBonWhims for the most vibrant selection of jewels and accessories that'll make any outfit pop. Join co-founders Jackie Skye Muller (a Barneys and Kith alum) and Marlon Muller on the court! The couple created Recreational Habits to "bring the exclusive world of the preppy elite and their hobbies to the historically excluded." Shop their tenniscore looks like crewnecks, varsity shorts, playful skirts, and more. Liang's signature fleece outerwear and ballet flats are covetable Cool Girl staples, and she's also done collabs with Vans, Salomon, and Spongebob Squarepants. The New York native is definitely a designer that the coquette girlies can't get enough of. Chinese-American designer Jessica Tse started this jewelry brand in 2018, and it has a playful, youthful aesthetic with sophisticated flair thanks to the fun shapes and pearl accents she sprinkles throughout. With organic shapes, flowers, stars, and silver galore, Kara Yoo makes jewelry for the girls who want everyday pieces with a unique, artsy twist. Take a scroll through the website and don't blame me when you get sucked in! Created by founders Phillip Lim and Wen Zhou, the brand debuted in 2005 at New York Fashion Week and spent the next 20 years expanding their empire into other categories like bags, shoes, and menswear. The Chinese-American designer was born in San Francisco and launched his namesake label in 2003. He went on to launch a contemporary line in 2011 called Derek Lam 10 Crosby, which he now focuses exclusively on. If you need a dress that'll wow, Miss Circle has you covered. Founded by Isabel Deng, the brand is known for timeless-yet-trendy sundresses, cute minis, and sparkly, va-va-voom gowns that are sure to please (Nara Smith wore one in a recent video!). Created by Wei Lin and Zoe Champion, PH5's knitwear is so cute and often features wavy, futuristic prints. Signature details like asymmetrical hemlines and scalloped edges lend unique details to classic silhouettes. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Saima Chowdhury founded sustainable label Grey State in 2015. If you're in need of comfortable, stylish pieces that are perfect for living life in, this is the brand for you. Private Policy was founded by Haoran Li and Siying Qu, who graduated from Parsons in May 2015. The unisex label has designs for everyone with a range of sizing and genderless styles. Dauphinette designer Olivia Cheng turns out such happy, imaginative designs. You'll find lots of feathers, fresh flowers, pretty prints, nature elements (see: the Dauphinette beetle pins) and funky designs. Both Chinese and French, Joseph Altuzarra studied ballet for years before he got into the fashion industry. He founded his namesake label in 2008 and his pieces have a modern aesthetic that are chic and timeless. Born in Singapore and raised in Nepal, Prabal Gurung has so many romantic, dreamy pieces like these Cinderella-esque chiffon gowns. He founded the brand in 2009 and has dressed countless A-listers, including Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, since. A Brooklyn-based Vietnamese designer, Peter Do worked at Céline and Derek Lam before launching his own label in 2018. He's known for sleek tailored suits, unexpected cutouts, cool tie detailing, and other minimalist garments. Raised in both New Zealand and Singapore, Claudia Li is currently based in New York and started her eponymous label in 2015. For her debut runway show in 2018, she featured only Asian models to pay homage to her Chinese heritage. Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for. I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025
Finding a Mother's Day gift that she'll actually love can be challenging but it's not impossible. Check out these great LA mag staff picks, from gadgets and cooking supplies to beauty items and accessories. A thoughtful gift for moms dealing with menopausal hot flashes— or anyone who hates the heat (which is sure to be stronger than ever in L.A. this summer), will keep her cool anytime, anywhere. The compact and convenient collection of handheld cooling devices —which had activations at this year's Coachella and will be at more festivals this Spring— charge as quickly as an iPhone, fit in most purses or bags and come in various sizes and stylish hues like pink, gunmetal and white. - Lina Lecaro L.A.'s own continues to innovate with chocolate, and for Mother's Day, they've got an array of choices that look as great as they taste. From their gorgeous designer floral box filled with dipped fruits, to their ruby pink double-dipped chocolate Oreo box, to their ultra-luxurious Dubai chocolate bar pistachio knafeh bites in a limited-edition triangle gift box, the award winning candy company is a glam gift and superlative sweet treat. Read more about the company here. - L.L Sleeping on silk pillowcases can minimize wrinkles and help your hair stay shiny by maintaining moisture and lessening friction. L.A. based Honeydew Sleep offers a stylish selection of sizes and shapes for bedtime so mom can get a good night's sleep and wake up gorgeous. Made from high-grade 100% organic silk — in powdered sugar (white) or lunar eclipse (black)— they'll also keep her cool as she snoozes. Also check out the brand's various pillow shapes, sheets and accessories. - L.L. A gift from will have mom feeling like a doll. The local Latina-owned company just rolled out a brand new hot pink collaboration with Mattel's most iconic figure, which features lip oil, shimmering body oil, eye shadows and blush, plus lotion and body spray inspired by 'California Dreamin.' Bundle their products ('California Glow,' 'Golden Hour' or 'Boss Babe') to get more Barbie Girl goodies at a discounted price. - L.L. If your mom loves music or talking on the phone, make for an affordable gift she'll use again and again. The noise cancelling, wireless cans are quick charging (they offer 40 hours of battery life), foldable and comfortable, with ear pads that block external noise and adjust for a good fit. They even work with Google and Siri via a simple voice command and they're only $49.99. Now you just have to call her more often so she can use them! - L.L. For wandering moms who love to travel the stylist tote from the new San Diego based designer is the perfect carry-on that is also a functional and fabulous shopping bag. The line launched by fashion industry insider Molly Harrell last year is a vibe that is reminiscent of international yacht clubs with effortless clothing that she says is "represents a love for the ocean, adventure, and refined style." - Michele McPhee For moms who love family movie night and crave cinema-quality kernels, there is no better gift than Popsmith, a nostalgic stovetop popcorn maker designed by Angeleno Tal Moore and his partner David Strickland. The stylish throwback comes in four bright colors and can be ordered with the kernels. With its multi-clad metal bottom, the Popper heats evenly and quickly, and the company can send pre-measured kernels and ingredients sourced from California farms for a cozy night in. A starter set at roughly $170 is a great way to spoil her. - M.M. Bob Hurley, a Costa Mesa surfer, was only 23 when he launched his line of surfboards with two business partners in 1999. Since then his brand exploded with not only boards, but he acquired a license for the popular Australian line Billabong to expand his love for all things beach life into a clothing line. We love the Hurley hoodie, a soft and warm zip-up for breezy spring nights. - M.M. For a more luxurious gift of a niche indulgence, Mind Games Fragrance has launched a sophisticated line of perfume and candles that can create a unique signature scent for mom. This gift doesn't come cheaply, some of the more complicated fragrances can run up to $475, but it's something that is truly unique with scents like Prodigy, which, the founders say, "blends café au lait coziness with an unexpected twist of spicy Longoza Flower and Rose Absolute. - M.M. Inspired by her Italian heritage, Camilla Gabrielli set out to create the perfect bridal shoe — and the brand evolved into statement pieces that have been embraced by celebrities at events from the Venice Film Festival to Hollywood premieres. The L.A.-based designer is now making her styles available to Angelenos through her website, which offers a range of favorites perfect for stylish moms — from metallic heels and pumps to classic slingbacks. - Jasmin Rosemberg Taking makeup off at the end of the day is always a chore, but — a brand beloved in Canada and Europe but that is now debuting in the U.S. in stores like Ulta Beauty — makes the process incredibly simple, especially for moms with limited time. Start with the original cleansing micellar water to remove makeup and gently soothe the skin before moving on to other anti-aging products like toners, serums and creams. - J.R. What says "spring" better than florals? Brighten Mom's day with a vibrantly patterned dress, shirt or skirt from Alice + Olivia, with locations in West Hollywood, Brentwood and Beverly Hills. This Antonette Mini Dress is a flowy but feminine cut in a bright hue that can transition from day to night — and the cheery Hamptons Floral pattern is also featured in the Moranne Blouse, Loma Maxi Slip Dress and other styles. - J.R. For the mom who loves to cook — and eat! — offers collections curated by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis that make for great gifts and meals any time of year. Her favorites available on the site include the Lemon Sheet Pan Lasagna Box ($55) and Cacio e Pepe Box ($56), which include all of the ingredients you need to make a delicious and authentic Italian meal. - J.R.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hot Plate Brewing Co. of Pittsfield named #3 Best New Brewery in USA Today poll
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The only Latina-owned brewery in Massachusetts has ranked third place in USA Today's Best New Breweries poll. Hot Plate Brewing Co., located in Pittsfield, was the only brewery in Massachusetts to make the 10Best Reader's Choice list. A panel of beer experts selected the nominations through USA Today, reviewing hand-crafted breweries founded within the past three years. The poll released on Wednesday shows Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co in Stuart, Florida ranked as No. 1, followed by RAK Brewing Co in Frederick, Maryland and then Hot Plate Brewing Co. in Pittsfield. The dream of Hot Plate Brewing began in 2017, when homebrewers Sarah Real and Mike Dell'Aquila lived in a New York City condo and were issued a code violation, losing gas in the building. City of Springfield provides update to South Main Street development plan Rather than giving up on their aspirations to brew beer from home, they shifted their plan to brewing on a hot plate, which inspired their future business endeavors. 'Before we made the transition to joining the craft beer industry, we were fans for almost twenty years,' said owner and head brewer Real. 'Whether traveling across the country or even in different industrial neighborhoods in Brooklyn, we saw how breweries could become anchor tenants and lead to all sorts of development around them.' In 2020, the pair moved to western Massachusetts and were drawn to downtown Pittsfield. Seeing the community's efforts to boost the economy with local businesses, Real and Dell'Aquilla put their own vision to work. 'Hot Plate has been a wonderful addition to the downtown and has capitalized on the economic incentives the city has provided,' said Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti. 'The city of Pittsfield is committed to continuing this work on attracting new businesses, to not only downtown but all across Pittsfield.' Hot Plate Brewing largely employs a female and queer staff and collaborates with many mission-aligned organizations to raise funds for local organizations. Women of color own less than 1% of all breweries, so the impact of Hot Plate's efforts has not been lost on the staff and the city. 'There's a lot of chatter in this industry about how beer brings people together,' said co-founder and General Manager Dell'Aquila. 'The question is, what do you do once you have those people together, and can you create a diverse enough audience to create a real-world impact?' Hot Plate Brewing Co. has 12 beers on tap, including lagers, porters, ales, stouts, and IPAS. The brewery also serves coffee, tea, and home-baked goods. To view the full list of USA Today's Best New Breweries, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Buzz Feed
04-03-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
62 Problem-Solving Products That Require Minimal Effort
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Stop sighing heavily and just try one of these efficient problem-solvers already. 1. A pet hair-removing roller with a patented brush design (and *no* adhesive strips) to rid your lovely black sofa of all your furry friend's shedding in a quick roll — so you can get back to cuddling together. Promising review:"I don't usually write reviews, but if I could buy stock in the ChomChom I would! This is incredible. I immediately started using it on blankets, cat tree, towels that the cats lay on, bed skirt, every cloth or soft surface that the cats touch and TONS of fur started coming off! It's simple and easy, no sticky paper that barely does anything. The design is ingenious! It's a roller that goes back and forth about a one-quarter turn, so you have to go one direction, then back, and that simple motion not only picks up ALL the hair, but then removes it from the outer part of the roller and deposits it in the interior. When you open the back to reveal the interior, there's all the hair all bunched up! Like freakin' magic! I cannot wait to start cleaning every surface again once I finally cleaned it once. Allergies were going nuts and after picking up all this dust and fur I'm hopeful that will go a long way to feel better. Best product I've bought in years, I cannot believe that the reviews were so darn accurate! Get! This! Product!" — Joshua A. Flanders Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors). 2. FryAway, a plant-based solidifying powder capable of turning leftover cooking oil into an easily disposable solid, so you *don't* end up pouring grease down the sink and dealing with clogged pipes later on. And it hardens completely, meaning no leaking in the trash! Amazon Just sprinkle a packet of the power into your *hot* oil, wait for it to cool toss! FryAway is available in three sizes: Pan Fry (which comes with four packets, each capable of solidifying two cups of oil each), Deep Fry (which comes with two packets, each capable of solidifying eight cups of oil each), and Super Fry (which is just a large packet with a scoop you can portion out as needed — in total it solidifies up to 20 cups of oil). Promising review:"Honestly I didn't know if this would work, waiting for it to cool down made me nervous, but once it was at room temperature it was solid. It popped out of the fryer so nicely. Worth every penny." — Emma Get the Deep Fry size from Amazon for $9.97. FryAway is a woman-owned and Latina-owned small business, and they donate 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on water conservation. 3. An exfoliating First Aid Beauty Bump eraser body scrub reviewers with KP (aka keratosis pilaris) swear by to get rid of those tiny red bumps, without slathering on any additional creams or products — just use in the shower instead of your regular soap. It contains 10% glycolic and lactic acids and has tiny pumice exfoliants to buff away dead skin for smooooooooooth arms. Promising review:"Amazing product! I've suffered with KP on my arms for 15 years and nothing helped. This product didn't just help, it completely cleared it away! I noticed a big difference after just one use and a month later of using it 2 times a week my arms are smooth and I'm no longer embarrassed of them. I'm so excited! This product has changed my life!" — Sherrie Ruiz Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in five sizes). 4. A pack of AirPod cleaners, because how often do you put your headphones riiiight in your ear without even looking at them 👀? These remove any dirt, earwax, or other gunk that's accumulated on your AirPods — and can even improve the sound and how quickly your phone pairs with them! Did YOU know that wax can block the pairing sensors?? Neither did I! And btw, these work great on any hard-to-clean small spaces. Promising review:"Great stuff that absolutely works! I had been using plugin headphones because my old iPhone 6S was getting old and I was having difficulty hearing from the speakers. I heard about this from a friend and it's like I have a new phone! Worked immediately. Sound and clarity like before. I can't believe how easy it was to use and the great difference it makes. Thanks!" — Bridget S Get 24 from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in a 12-pack). 5. A sleek mini travel umbrella that not only is perfectly compact for everyday use *and* travel, but also comes with a handy carrying case, so you can pop it right in your bag when the showers are (finally!) over without getting the rest of your stuff wet. Promising review:"Bought this cheap, lightweight umbrella for an autumn trip to Edinburgh. It worked perfectly!! It was really windy there, and it did pop inside-out a few times, but I just pushed it back into place. The pod holder is really great for folding it up when wet and keeping your bag safe from it!" — Lynn Thompson Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 20 colors). 6. Stank Stix, athletic gear inserts (they were on Shark Tank, y'all!) that absorb moisture, eliminate odors (they're also lightly scented with essential oils), and can help reduce odor-causing bacteria growth. Amazon And yes, Lauri did invest in this small, woman-owned biz! You can use 'em in shoes, gym bags, gloves and more — and you can simply replace the insert ($10.99 for a two-pack) every couple of months! Promising review: "We purchased these for our son's soccer cleats that smelled like cat pee and a dead buffalo that has been eaten, puked up and eaten again and then that animal died and a buzzard ate it and then pooped it WERE HORRIBLE!!! The ninja ShoeStix's worked GREAT!!! WILL BE BUYING MORE for our daughters dance shoes!!!" — Matthew Parker Promising review: "These ShoeStix have been amazing. I didn't think anything could help with the awful cat urine like smell emanating from my son's soccer cleats, but these inserts have done the trick. Now if you put your nose in the shoe, yes, it will still still smell pretty bad. But they no longer make the entire house smell like cleats and I can now leave the shoes in the house or in the car and not feel the urge to puke. We also use them for my daughter's volleyball shoes and kneepads. If you've ever experienced the stench that exists once a volleyball player removes the kneepads, then you know the pain I experience multiple times a week. Just put the ShoeStix inside the kneepads and put them inside a closed plastic bag and let the Stix do their magic. Definitely worth the money." — K Terry Get a set (you can detach the handle to separate the two) from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors). 7. A Neutrogena makeup-removing gel pen so you can easily remove errant eyeliner or mascara marks (even waterproof!) so you can perfect your everyday cat eye or experimental graphic liner look and STILL get out the door on time. Promising review:"Why didn't someone think of this sooner? For years, I've been using Q-tips dipped in makeup remover to remove little goofs or mistakes. This is so much better and portable! Erases waterproof mascara marks around my eyes easily. A must-buy product!!" — Katherine Get it from Amazon for $6.03 (also available in a two-pack). 8. A hair bonding treatment you can leave on for as little as 15 minutes (or as much as overnight if you wish) to help strengthen and condition hair in just one use. Reviewers swear by it to help the look of their split ends and dry, damaged hair. Like Olaplex, it's a rebonding treatment to help repair heat or chemical damage. Promising review:"I love this stuff! I was initially looking for Olaplex and came across this so I thought I would give it a try. I have been trying to grow out my hair but the ends become dry and easily damaged, so every time it grows I just need to cut it again. I was about to cut it when I got this in the mail and tried it. It was amazing! Gave my hair that fresh cut look and feel, added tons of shine back in and made it feel so healthy. This is a game changer for me!" — mmsmco Promising review: "This stuff is amazing ! I believe the last bleaching on my 4C hair I fried it. But after using this tonight, my hair feels so smooth and my curl pattern is back ! **5 stars**!" — j. kindred Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 9. A pair of fillable paint touch-up pens for a quick way to fix any marks, scratches, or scuffs on your walls or furniture without buying extra cans or breaking out a paintbrush or roller. Slobproof Some reviewers have reported having trouble refilling the pen, but this reviewer has a helpful explanation of how to refill them. Reviewers also say these are *great* for ensuring crisp lines when working with stencils! Promising review:"How did I ever live without these?! I had these in my cart forever but the price seemed a bit high for what they are. Finally on an impulse I pulled the trigger and bought them. I'm now kicking myself for not doing it sooner. These are fantastic!!! They make small fixes a breeze, especially when two paint colors butt up next to each other at a corner. The brush fibers are great are great and smoothly put the paint in the exact spot. I had even tried buying artists brushes for touchups in the past but they never worked well and I no longer need to pull out the whole can to do one tiny touch up. I have these locked and loaded with every paint color in my house and am ready to go." — AAG338 Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a five-pack). 10. A SockDock, aka a useful tool you can clip dirty socks to (in pairs!), toss the *whole thing* in the washer and dryer, and remove together so NO SOCK gets lost. And you're not stuck searching for a pair when you're already running late. Amazon Promising review:"Totally obsessed with this! I've been using it a few weeks now and have zero complaints! I haven't lost a single sock since! They always come out paired and completely dried (which was one of my concerns, I wasn't sure if they were going to dry properly) I would defiantly recommend this! It's amazing and makes life so much easier! Specially with a toddler and baby on the way!" — Sarah Elizabeth Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors). 11. A razor protector (it fits all standard men's and women's razors) to prevent rust and corrosion and keep your blades sharper for longer, so you don't have to waste money on replacements again and again and again. Amazon It helps your razor dry between uses, stretches to fit, and protects the blade when you're traveling — making your razor last up to THREE TIMES longer. Each SteelBee lasts for up to two years! Promising review:"This was a great find! I wanted to test this for myself, so I put two razors in the shower with one having the Steelbee. I shaved every other with each razor and within weeks I could tell a big difference. The razor without the Steelbee has rust spots and is much duller. All of the razors in the house will now be using this. I even used this on my most recent business trip last week and it doubled as a great travel protector." — Rob May Get it from Amazon for $12.99. SteelBee is a small business entirely focused on this product — and btw, it fits all standard razors! 12. A hair-smoothing gel cream stick (it's like a mascara wand!) to control any pesky flyaways for a sleeker updo — without making your roots look dirty or greasy. Promising review:"I was skeptical of products like this, but I figured it was cheap enough to try. I'm SO glad I did! I always have what I call "fluh fluhs" coming out of the part on my head and no matter how many times I wet them down they stick straight up again. This product sticks them down and they stay down! The only caution I would give is that there's a little learning curve of how hard to press the wand to your hair. I find that I need a very light touch or I get too much of the product in my hair, which then looks a little greasy. If you wipe the brush as you pull it out you should be ok — just like mascara! Great buy!" — tinytuff Get it from Amazon for $6.79. 13. Or an edge control gel to style your baby hairs *without* flaking or annoying residue. It's even formulated with argan and castor oils! BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out, " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna." Promising review:"Hands down! The best edge control I have ever used and I have used a lot of them. Stayed all day! No flakes and non greasy! And this one is not even the strongest in the line. Love this product!" — Seabea2013 Get it from Amazon for $4.60+ (available in seven sizes). 14. Naturium's 2% BHA leave-on liquid exfoliant, which works to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, so your skin *glows*, with reduced breakouts and less visible pores with one easy swipe. And you'll save money on the cult-fave Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant, which does the same thing but for almost two times the price! Amazon Promising review:"The key to clear skin! This is the best thing I've ever bought for my face on Amazon. Trust me when I say YOU NEED THIS in your face routine. I've tried so, so many things, and nothing has worked. I tried Paula's Choice BHA, and it does not compare to how much better this is. This dries on without any greasy feeling. It literally cleared my face overnight. I was starting to get acne and this literally cleared my complexion. I've had acne due to stress lately and this has been my savior! My face is unbelievably smooth and clear of acne. Even my dark spots are fading and I've only been using it for one week. My face literally glows! If you have any doubts like I did, just buy it. You will not regret it:)" — Diana V Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 15. A Revlon one-step drying brush (now with an upgraded motor) with a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. It's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them. Promising review: "I never write product reviews, but this brush is amazing! I have curly/wavy hair that is past my shoulders, but very fine. If I don't blow dry and straighten it right away it gets very curly and frizzy and has always been a pain to blow-dry and flat iron. I have never been very good at blow-drying with a round brush and have always relied on the flat iron to get my hair smooth after drying. With this brush, I can let my hair air dry for a bit, and then use this, and I don't need to use the flat iron at all. My hair looks so full and bouncy that several people have asked me if I just got my hair done. Honestly, with this brush, it looks better than when my hairdresser blow dries! It is so easy to use and takes way less time to do than blow drying. I haven't tried from wet wet, but today I only let it dry a bit and then used the brush and it was still fast. My only complaint is that the handle is a little big and hard to hold on to, but that is fairly minor. Also, I was worried about it getting tangled in my hair, but so far I have been able to wrap my hair around the brush and not have any issues getting the brush out. I love it!" — Bostonchick Get it from Amazon for $39.88 (available in eight colors). 16. A wad preventer, because balled-up sheets that NEVER seem to actually get dry?? Not on my watch! Who has the time?! This genius invention will keep the corners from getting bunched up to increase your tumble and decrease your dry time. Amazon Just tuck the corners of your flat or fitted sheet into the holes to prevent tangling and twisting aaaand (according to the backed up by reviewers) improve dry time by 75%!!!!!!!! Promising review: "Best purchase! You wouldn't think a small product like this could make a difference, but it makes a world of difference! I am amazed and so glad I found these. Gone are the days of wet clothes being wrapped up in sheets, or having to continuously check the dryer to untangle sheets. I will be purchasing more of these for myself and buying some as gifts!" — Becca Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a four-pack). Wad-Free is a small biz, and their products are made in the USA. 17. And for non-sheet loads, a pair of extra large wool dryer balls that'll ensure your laundry dries quicker and gets softer than ever — *25%* faster. Those towels that take FOR-E-VER (The Sandlot voice) to dry? No more. Promising review: "I was excited but skeptical about this product but I just used them for 4 loads of laundry and they are awesome! I would normally have used about 20 dryer sheets but I just used the dryer balls instead. My clothing, towels and sheets came out of the dryer wrinkle free, soft and no static cling. I am buying the lavender essential oil to try. I used to spend quite a bit of money on fabric softeners and fragrance boosters. I am thrilled not to have to add a bunch of chemicals. The scent is lovely and clean even without adding the oil. Best purchase of the year." — mskrippers Get a six-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six styles). Woolzies is a small business, and these dryer balls are made in New Zealand from 100% wool, and they're hypoallergenic and safe for people with wool allergies! For an extra boost of scent, you can add your favorite essential oil to the balls too! 18. A double-ended extension cord for your hardest-to-solve plug-in quandaries. It lets you plug in a total of six items, three on each cord, up to six feet in each direction! If you live in an older building with limited outlets, this is perfect. Cords are 6 feet long and have three plugs each. Promising review:"This was such an awesome and unique idea! I have four front windows on my home that I like to hang Christmas lights in. Instead of having to plug in multiple extension cords, this looked more nicely and worked more efficiently and safely. It was a perfect reach for both sets of lighted images that I put in my windows! This is such a clever idea. Worked great!" — Mad megz Get it from Amazon for $13.88+ (available in black and white). 19. The Crop Top Band, a why-didn't-I-think-of-that elastic band so you can shorten any sweater, tee, or blouse to the perfect length — without having to get it permanently tailored. Promising review: "The Crop Top Band is a helpful accessory to many outfits! It stays in place better than I imagined it would and it kept my shirt tucked all day!" —Alexi B Get it from The Crop Top Band for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL). The Crop Top Band is a woman-owned small biz btw! 20. A leakproof, portable dog water bottle to help keep your pup hydrated and refreshed on long walks — without having to bring along a dog bowl or make a huge mess. Just dispense some water into the handy dandy built-in bowl, and your dog can lap it up with ease. And leftover water? Goes right back in the bottle for the next time they get parched. Promising review: "Best item I have purchased for the dog all year. I saw this on a TikTok video and checked on Amazon and ordered it. My toy poodle loves it and drank out it with no hesitation. With the heat wave we are having in California right now I want to be sure she is well hydrated. Before I leave the house I fill the holder with ice and water and I am set. Easy to clean and no spilled water in the car. Easy to throw in my purse and have it when we are out walking around. I know what people with dogs are getting for Christmas this year." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 21. A pack of duster sponges, because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen and wipe whatever surface needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean, and you're done! I bought a pack of these and love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too! Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic they are perfect and dust free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six color packs). 22. Bioclean, a hard water stain remover for everyone who is just tired of trying to clean those cloudy glass shower doors, spot-covered fixtures, tile and grout, and more. It even works on pools! If you're not convinced, just hear from one reviewer: "Step one: Look at the pictures. Step two: Buy a lifetime supply immediately." Promising review: "Wow. Don't waste your time with any other formulation that you found online. I've literally tried EVERYTHING! The soap / vinegar / baking soda, the expensive store bought 'hard water cleaners.' I've scrubbed for HOURS! But this…. This product is like magic. It's kind of like a paste that you can rub on with a microfiber towel and the hard water stains literally just RUB OFF. Like butter! Seriously the easiest option I have tried yet. I stopped within the first five minutes of cleaning to do this review because I'm in shock lol. Coming from someone who never writes reviews! Take that as a sign to buy this immediately. What a game changer, I'm mad I'm just now finding this stuff lol!" — _kayla_carter Get it from Amazon for $19.77. 23. A handy prefilled notepad so you can create a curated packing list even before you take a single item out. Using this as a guide can be helpful so you don't panic the morning you leave and try to shove in 25 pairs of extra undies and three sweatshirts at the last minute (is this just me??). Amazon Promising review:"I just used this for a recent trip to Florida from California. It made it easier to remember things. I used to have a list, that I made, on my computer to remind me, my husband, and child what to pack. My daughter is out on her own now and my husband passed away recently. So, I just need a list for me. This helped me think of things I NEVER thought to put on my list. It has extra lines for you to add anything extra like crochet project, handicapped parking plaque, etc. It's not too big, but can easily be read. There are boxes to check off as you go and room to add quantity to clothing items. I hope these are ALWAYS available!" — Connie Woods Get this handy notepad from Amazon for $7 (available in two colors, plus a road trip–specific list). 24. Dawn Powerwash, a borderline magical spray-on dish soap that BLASTS through tough grease and baked-on messes with ease. But it's not just for dishes — if you have a greasy range hood or backsplash, or you want to deep clean your cooktop or grill, this is *perfect* for that, too, cutting through the toughest messes! Amazon Just spray on (don't add water until you rinse!) and wipe. I'm not joking when I say that the first time I used Dawn Powerwash on a lasagna pan, I almost cried. I will never be without it! Promising review: "This stuff is the bomb! I can't say enough good about this product. I got my stove top as clean as it was when new — the area around the burners had been impossible for me to get clean before. I also cleaned the inside glass window of the oven with minimal effort. Seriously, this stuff is amazing IMO." — Kim M. Promising review: " The only dish soap allowed in my household 😅 jk I have used other different types, and this is the only one that has worked amazing in all my cleaning. Not only do I use it on my dishes but to clean my bathroom, husband's grill, and everything else that needs a good cleaning." — Lizbeth LF Get the starter kit (with one reusable spray bottle and one refill) from Amazon for $8.44 (available in five scents and other sizes/refills). 25. A pack of silicone pouch lids if your kid LOVES to squeeze pouches all over themselves (and the furniture). What a mess! But no more: this smart lid has a flow-control valve to prevent spills (and a cap to save leftovers). Check out why a mom calls this pouch topper the "coolest thing" in this TikTok. Promising review:"( can only find them in one place in my small upstate New York town and while traveling I accidentally threw one away in the airport. My kid refuses to let anyone feed him with a spoon and won't take the pouch without the nipple. It's the best creation ever and I can't believe it's not in every store in the world. They truly are the best. I can give my son a pouch or food with these on them in his car seat and not worry. He carries pouches around the living room and I don't have to freak out. I can't say enough good things about them." — Erica Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five color combos). ChooMee is a small biz based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges. 26. A "Cup Claw" because if you've ever had to deal with folded up or falling out bra inserts in tank tops, sports bras, or bathing suits, you KNOW why this was invented. Save yourself a scream of frustration every laundry day, and just break out this lil' guy instead. Promising review: "After so many lost bra pads, this has been a lifesaver. Instead of feeling immense amounts of frustration, trying to get the pads back into place, this works like a breeze. It is simple to use, effective, and takes a lot of stress out of life. If you are tired of fighting with pads to get them smoothed out and back into place I highly recommend this." — Wesley I. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. Cup Claw is a US-based, family-owned small business, btw. 27. A handy dandy car seat buckle release tool (that was featured on Shark Tank!) so you can easily unlatch your kid's car seat buckle with a little extra leverage (and less thumb pain). If you have long nails you're tired of breaking, have arthritis or limited hand strength, or have an older sibling helper, this product is for you. Amazon Promising review:"Life saver! I bought this for my son to be able to unbuckle himself, and it's worked perfectly! When he went to visit extended family, it was a godsend for the arthritic hands trying to help unbuckle him. I can't say enough good about this product! Will be buying more in the future." — Jason Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in seven colors). UnbuckleMe is a woman-owned small business run by Becca Davison and her mother Barbara Heilman, an occupational therapist and grandmother of four. 28. The Baseboard Buddy, an As-Seen-On-TV gadget that'll come through for you if you're TIRED of all the dust that accumulates on your trim and baseboard every. single. day. This guy is lightweight and has an extendable telescoping handle and 360 degrees swivel so you can wipe surfaces clean with the contoured microfiber head *without* having to bend over or get down on your hands and knees. The kit comes with one Baseboard Buddy and three reusable pads which can be used wet or dry. And when the microfiber pad is dirty, just rinse and reuse! Promising review: " Buy it NOW. Honestly, I had huge reservations for this thing. Yet another miracle cleaning tool that will break or bend or something. I was so wrong. It was easy to put together and I sprayed it with Mean Green and went to the baseboards. No more kneeling and no broken back. This thing is amazing. It is durable and the pad is super absorbent. I am so happy. I can't wait to do the rest of the house!" — artgirl Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 29. A popcorn kernel sifting bowl anyone who has unknowingly bitten down hard on an unpopped kernel (ouch!) will truly find genius. It has a handy dandy straining bottom — just pour in your popcorn, pop the lid on, and shake! All those annoying unpopped pieces will fall through the holes into the removable bottom section. Amazon It fits a full bag of microwave popcorn (or about four quarts if you pop your own!). Plus you can use this as a regular strainer for rinsing produce on other occasions! And it's dishwasher safe. Promising review: "My husband loves popcorn. However, unlike me, he HATES any unpopped kernels. So after a lot of searching, we found this and ordered it. loves this thing. And I love that I no longer have to hear him complain about how many kernels are in the bottom of his bowl! So if you want to eat popcorn without having a bunch of kernels in the bottom, DEFINITELY order this one........" — R. Harris Get it from Amazon for $24.98. 30. A rapid mac 'n' cheese cooker for those days that you want to have one of your fave comfort foods but really don't feel like turning on your stove or dealing with a strainer. This handy kitchen gadget has your back — you just need five minutes and a microwave (vs 20 minutes the old-fashioned way). Here's how it works: Pour in the macaroni and add enough water to the fill line. Then microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Remove, stir, and microwave two more minutes, then add the other ingredients per the mac 'n' cheese instructions. Check out a TikTok of the rapid mac cooker in action. PS — people also use this to rapid cook their ramen! Promising review: "There is nothing I dislike about this. I don't like milk so didn't add it but it's surprisingly as good or better than stove top. The texture and flavor is on point and it's not soggy like easymac. I laughed when I got this and was like wow it's no different than any container. It's harder material so idk what it's made of but the directions inside the container are on point for good mac and cheese except I drained the water. T he days of scrubbing a big pot are over for me. I can't believe this actually worked. Especially bc the texture of the noodles and the taste is so on point. I got no discount and wasn't paid for this review. I just really am shocked it worked and worked so well. They got this down to a science with this container and directions. I am amazed." — me Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three colors and a two-pack). Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that specializes in dishwasher-safe, microwaveable, BPA-free kitchen products. 31. A *self-cleaning* grooming brush to easily and effectively remove excess hair from your pet (so it doesn't end up all over you and your home). What makes it self-cleaning, you ask? Simply push a button on the side, and the bristles retract so you can just sweep away all the pet hair you just accumulated right into the trash. Lots of reviewer pets love being brushed by it too! Promising review: "I've spent hundreds of dollars on toys, treats, houses, scratchers, etc for my cats. This is hands down not even close, the best money I've ever spent! I got so much fur off them, and they loved it! They are looking so sleek and shiny, and they are rolling around like kittens they feel so fresh and happy. My cats are still young (all ages 4 and under) so they were pretty well groomed to begin with. I couldn't believe how many knots and snags were hiding in their fur. The whole time I was brushing them, they were purring and rubbing all over me trying to get more. The self cleaning feature is so easy!! A click of a button and all the hair falls off. The brush itself is bigger than what I anticipated. I thought my cats would be afraid of it but once they figured out what was happening, they weren't at all. I got the original brush which I thought would probably feel good (like a good back scratch!) And I was right. They loved it." — Samantha Get it from Amazon for $12.99 + (available in two colors, two sizes, and one for sensitive skin). 32. NYX Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel (up to 16 hours!) to keep your brow hairs in place alllll day long, especially if you like that "laminated" look — all in just a few strokes. Reviewers agree the hold is great, the formula doesn't flake off, and that it also washes off easily! Reviewers note it's a great alternative to products like Glossier Boy Brow, Benefit Gimme Brow, and ABH Brow Freeze. Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows and throughout the day I would sweat through it and it wouldn't last. I tried this because the price was great and I'm glad i did. This product is awesome. I've had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift and they are still in place! It doesn't dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder and this does NOT affect the look of the powder nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." — Shelby Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in clear, plus eight tinted shades). 33. A 🙌 no-scrub, no-wipe 🙌 Wet & Forget cleaner so you can keep your shower clean and mildew-free by spraying just *once a week*. You'll feel more ready to take on the day when you wash your hair in a shower that' clean all the time. Amazon, Best invention ever? Possibly. Promising review:"This stuff is excellent. It performs as promised, it has a very nice scent, no fumes, and leaves shower clean with no scrubbing actually necessary. It is very easy to apply and rinse off. It is designed very well, with squirting spout separate from the large container and attached by a longish tube, so you don't have to hold the heavy container while applying the product. I've been using it for quite a while now, and I love it. I highly recommend it." — Stephanie Martin Get it from Amazon for $19.39 (available in two scents, two sizes, and a two-pack). 34. A set of three scrubbing attachments you can simply add to any power drill to make cleaning your tub, floor, appliances, or even the wheels of your car ridiculously fast and easy. If you don't *already* have a drill, you can also get a cordless drill set with brushes just like the above and drill bits from Amazon for $32.99. Promising review:"I constantly have to pester the hubby to help with cleaning the bathroom. Then I bought this and he's like Tim 'the tool man' Taylor. I guess he just needed more power??? He cleans the bathroom without even being asked because he likes the drill brushes. They work well. The grout lines are clean. It doesn't take him long. Best money I've ever spent! LOL." — Heather N Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in six brush types/stiffness levels for different cleaning jobs). Drill Brush is a small business based in New York. It was started in 2007 by a former electrician with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome who needed a way to clean without causing him harm. 35. Borderline genius nail clippers that *catch* the nail clippings so they don't go flying all over the place (somehow never into the trashcan as intended). They're called "No Splash" which is both gross and hilarious, and the brand claims they'll stay sharp for a full decade. Amazon Promising review:"Best nail clipper I've ever owned. All my life I've had stainless-steel nail clippers that slip from my fingers whenever I have to cut my nails, which bends the nail and adds pressure onto my nail bed. With these clippers, the groove lets my thumb sit comfortably. It cuts very well, and there's no need to put too much pressure when cutting a tough nail. The nail catcher is a good bonus. It prevents your nail debris from flying all over the place so you don't need to hover over the trash can. I use the built-in nail file to shape those sharp edges and it does the job very well. It eliminates the use of switching over to an individual nail file. I also like the little case that it comes in. It keeps me from losing my nail clippers." — Jasmine Get them from Amazon for $13.95. 36. A dozen Bottle Bright tablets for deep cleaning your thermoses and on-the-go bottles — no scrubbing required. These'll get into all those hard-to-reach spaces and remove *all* the gunk. Just plop one tablet in and let it sit overnight. The foaming action will power away gross stuff, residue, and seemingly permanent odors while you get some beauty sleep. Promising review:"Magic tablets! These little tablets were amazing! By far the best item I've bought all year. I have been using the same few Contigo mugs every day for coffee for years and the insides were quite stained. This did the trick and they look like new. Amazing!!!" — Amazon Customer Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $7.90 (available in larger packs). 37. A foot filing rasp designed to undo years of callus buildup in mere MINUTES. No waiting for intense creams to do their work, no getting pedicure after pedicure — if you want to see results ASAP, you'll think it's ~grate~. Promising review:"I have BAD feet. Like genetically bad. I have tried EVERYTHING. I've spent an excessive amount of money on foot masks, foot scrubs, pedicures, pumice stones, foot files, etc. Nothing worked. This fixed my feet in five minutes. I was actually in shock. I haven't had 'soft' feet in years. I literally feel like I have new feet. Best $10 I ever spent." — Hdb Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 38. And to speed things up more, a bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that can dissolve that pesky hard, dead skin in just a few minutes — for real, don't leave it on for more than that. Then just rinse, sand with a pumice stone or rasp, and enjoy those silky-smooth feet! If you love Baby Foot but hate waiting, this is a great option. Promising review:"I already had a rasp which I keep in my shower and use right when I'm getting out and it worked well. However, with this product, it's a game-changer. My heels would be smooth with just the rasp, but with the combination, they are as smooth as any salon has ever gotten them, and it is so easy to use. I simply take my normal shower, dry off and apply this callus remover to the bottom of my feet where I need it. I waited 8 minutes and then let the rasp get all of the dry skin off, rinsed my feet well and they looked amazing. I highly recommend this, especially in sandal season!" — The Momager Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in original, peppermint, and tea tree formulations, and also available in a two-pack). 39. A pair of arch supports with compression to help relieve foot pain, whether you have fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, or just spend all day on your feet. Just slide 'em on your foot — it's that simple. Read more about how a lack of arch support can aggravate plantar fasciitis at the American Podiatric Medical Association. Promising review:"Love, love, love, love, love! I have plantar fasciitis and high arches and suffered with pain and uncomfort. I was looking for supportive shoes and stumbled upon Copper Compression bands and decided to give them a try. Best purchase ever! They immediately give support, stretch the foot and relieve pain. I recommend the gel ones with the pad at the bottom for cushion on your arches but both provide the same effectiveness. I wear them to bed every night, when driving and around the house. I have given them as gifts to several family members and friends, all of whom love them! They are a family run, American company and have outstanding customer service. I couldn't say better things. 6/5 stars! You won't regret this purchase." — nicole keuster Get them from Amazon for $15.95 (available in six colors). 40. A pack of eucalyptus mint shower steamers to help open up your sinuses (those and make your shower feel like a spa. Relaxation isn't just for bath-takers, you know. Learn more about eucalyptus oil (plus other suggestions for home remedies) to help with sinus congestion and pressure at the Cleveland Clinic. Just place one on your shower floor (not directly under the water), and it'll activate when splashed, releasing a delicious scent. Promising review:"As a long time sufferer of congestion, these help me so much. A friend told me about these while my husband and I were both sick at the beginning of the year (IYKYK). The congestion that came on with this virus was TERRIBLE. While Afrin works wonders, you can't use it every day. These helped clear up most of the congestion and they smell amazing. I have chronic allergies and have used these since being sick anytime my allergies get the best of me. I wouldn't say my congestion is completely relieved (like when you use a medicated nasal spray) when I use these, but they help so much and did give me relief. I pop one in the shower, and it smells like I'm at a MedSpa. My entire bathroom and bedroom smell so good whenever I use these. These are nice to use even if you're not congested and want a relaxing shower after a long day. The smell of these is calming + relaxing especially right before bed." — Karis Get a 15-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (available in clarity and relief bundles). Body Restore is a small biz btw! They make other shower steamers in a variety of scents, too, like energizing citrus and calming lavender right before bed, etc. 41. Ethylene gas-absorbing apples for anyone tired of fresh produce spoiling before they can use it — the company claims these'll save the average household up to $600 per year when you just keep one in your drawer. Amazon They can keep produce fresher for two to three times longer. Each packet inside the Bluapple lasts three months, and you can order replacement packets as needed. Promising review:"Lettuce was going bad in my refrigerator produce bin while lettuce in my outdoor compost bin seemed to stay green much longer. Then I bought these, and now my lettuce stays fresh for a very long time. This product pays for itself many times over." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of two from Amazon for $17.99. 42. A pack of sound-dampening bumpers you can stick right on noisy cabinets to keep you from being jarred awake with the BANG that indicates someone else's late-night or early-morning bowl of cereal. Amazon Promising review:" Best thing I have ever bought for my kitchen. Say goodbye to the heinous noise of slamming cabinets. My mother is notorious for just letting go of the cabinets and letting them slam shut so before she came to visit I installed these and I couldn't have been happier. They keep the noise to a minimum and likely help to improve the longevity of the cabinet doors by reducing the impact. They are easy to install (although time consuming for all the cabinets in the kitchen) and mine have not fallen off after 5 months of use. When installing, I pressed them onto the cabinet hard for a 30 count before letting go. I think this is required to make them long lasting. My father installed these at his home after he visited and his fell off because he just placed them on the cabinets like a sticker. After installing a second with the same method I used, he has not had any fall off." — Dave Carlson Get a sheet of 100 from Amazon for $8.58. 43. A pillowcase designed specifically for sleeping with wet hair (or sleeping in a hair mask) with one side with a microfiber terrycloth exterior and waterproof lining so you can go to bed with freshly washed hair without ruining your pillowcase — and so you can sleep comfortably. AND *satin* on the other side to help your hair retain moisture, stay tangle-free, and have less breakage. Amazon Promising review:"This company is absolutely amazing and the pillowcase is genius! First off, they have the best customer service. There was a problem with my order so I reached out to them. They responded to my email quickly and resolved the problem. Very friendly people to work with. Second, t he pillowcase is hands down, the best I have ever used! I always take night showers and go to bed with wet hair. I've used a towel over my old pillowcases for years and I always wake up with a damp pillow and the towel on the bed. With this pillowcase, I don't have that problem! The microfiber side absorbs the moisture from my hair and the other side is a nice soft satin for those nights I don't go to bed with wet hair. I will never go back to a normal pillowcase again! I never write product reviews, but I just had to with this product. It was that good! Basically, BUY THIS PILLOWCASE!!!!" — Kristen Chorney Get it from Amazon for $35.95+ (available in five colors, plus versions made of all towel or standard cotton or polyester). Btw, DryZzz is a woman-owned small business. 44. A TikTok-approved, compact Levoit air purifier with a true HEPA filter because dust, pollen, and pet dander can get you DOWN (and sneezy) — and make it look like you haven't cleaned in ages, when you totally dusted yesterday. This'll suck so much out of the air, you just might find yourself dusting (and sneezing) less often! And it can help your home smell fresher, too. Promising review: "We retired to the Southwest US, which is just a huge dust bowl. I didn't want to be breathing in the dust, and I absolutely hate to dust furniture. So I researched air purifiers and chose this model. In order to filter dust, it seems I needed a HEPA filter, which this purifier uses. While not washable, they are able to be vacuumed, which I do about once a week so they last longer. Overall, the price for the purifier and the filters was less for this model than others I researched. I bought the large model of this purifier for the main room of our 1200 sf Townhouse and it works really well. I only have to dust every 3-4 weeks, which suits me just fine. I think the purifier is about as loud as a white noise machine, so not very loud in my opinion. My husband, who wears hearing aids, finds it noisier than I do. I bought 2 of the smaller version of this same purifier for the 2 bedrooms. While they are just a smaller version of this machine they don't work nearly as well. It gets dusty in those rooms within days. I wish I had purchased the larger version for those rooms too. I've had all 3 purifiers going 24/7 for 4 months now and the filters are nowhere near the point where they need changing, again noting that I vacuum them weekly. So all in all these purifiers have been very economical to use." — SuesZoo Promising review: "Stop looking, buy this! I bought a higher-end unit for my office and this one for my home. Literally no difference! Buy the cheaper one!" — Keith Get a purifier that can cover up to 1095 st. ft spaces from Amazon for $99+ (available in black and white, plus a WiFi-enabled version). You can also get a mini size for up to 240 sq ft. for $39.97. 45. A reusable Revlon oil-absorbing roller stick with a ball made of volcanic stone that sucks the excess shine right off your face. Just pop it out and give it a wash once in a while and you can reuse it over and over and over again! Amazon Promising reviews:"This... this! I don't know what sort of sorcery this is, but this thing totally works, and it's freaking me out! I tested it by standing outside for a few mins (I live in the south, very humid) and then came back inside and rolled it along my nose. Sucked that oil right up!! I cannot believe I have been wasting money on blotting paper when this was out there (and reusable)! Totally buying some for my sister and friends. If you're on the fence about it, JUST BUY IT!" — Stellar Get it from Amazon for $8.18. Btw, now the roller comes in a rose quartz version you can store in the fridge for a soothing face massage! 46. An under-the-sink water filtration system to help you kiss your Brita goodbye and pour a glass of the good stuff straight from the tap. And fun fact: It's designed to be installed in under three minutes. It has a two-step filter that removes 99.99% of contaminants, and it comes with direct connect hoses to hook right up to the standard 3/8-inch valves in US kitchen sinks. Promising review:"We have town water and it seems they are putting more and more chlorine in it every year. We should be getting used to it and tasting it less and less, not more! The refrigerator filters are super expensive and weren't cutting it. Every time I put a glass to my mouth it smelled like a swimming pool. I searched the internet and decided to give this a try due to the positive reviews and affordability. Wow! easy install (I'm an avid DIYer). And the taste! The chlorine taste is just gone! No more overpriced fridge filters for us. I love that the filter replacement procedure is basically the same as a fridge. Just twist and remove. We love it so much I teed off the fridge line and put a dispenser at our sink as well. The flow on this thing is just amazing! And the water tastes great! Don't waste your money on the expensive, complicated ones. My parents have a three-chambered, name brand filter at their house. It was expensive, the replacement filters are expensive, it is a pain in the petunias to replace the filters, and the flow rate is pathetic! But guess what! Our water from this filter tastes just as good as theirs at a fraction of the price, plus it's way more convenient, plus the flow rate is way better. I just can't say enough. Love, Love it! You will too!" — BJ Get it from Amazon for $59.49+ (available in two styles). 47. A super-speedy wine stain remover so you can quickly undo Sandra's sloshing all over your pristine white couch and carpet, without losing your ~temper-nillo~. Now you can get back to enjoying the party. Promising review:"Totally impressed! The unassuming generic packaging and label left me a bit skeptical but this stuff is almost as exciting as the wine I spilled! This cabernet stain sat on my ivory faux fur blanket for over a month before I tried this product. Completely gone in one try! Get this. Seriously. You won't be disappointed." — Persian Tess Get it from Amazon for $11.88. 48. A drain-clearing tool with a rotating handle and five replacement snakes with 4,000 micro hooks and a slim design to shimmy down any drain (you don't even need to remove the cover) and snag all the hairs and goop that's clogging the system — in one quick pull. Amazon, Promising review:"I don't write many reviews, but when something blows my mind like this, I have to! Not only did this remove an enormous amount of hair from my drain, it took less than 30 seconds to do so! I didn't really read the instructions, but it's pretty straightforward. Stuck it in the drain, cranked the handle, pulled it out. Voila, no more hair! Buy it! You won't be disappointed." — Linsey Barbieri Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 49. A bottle of Fanola purple shampoo that'll neutralize yellow tones and brassiness for platinum locks — all in one to three minutes and *without* a trip to the salon. Just don't leave it on for too long, or you might end up with a slight purple tint — but some reviewers love that! Promising review: "I'm not one to leave reviews, but this product deserves it! Holy cow! I was going to go into the salon to brighten my hair up, but after discovering this product I cancelled my appointment. I'm totally in love! This shampoo is not drying at all and just after two washes I achieved my desired results! I can't recommend it enough!" — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $12.25+ (available in two sizes). 50. A bottle of Downy wrinkle release spray you can just spritz on and magically reveal crease-free clothing when you can't bear to even wait the 90 seconds for your steamer to heat up. There are other things to be done! Promising review:"HOLY SMOKES. I wasn't expecting this product to work so well. Literally 10 seconds after spraying and gently stretching as the directions suggested, this was the difference! I let it hang for another 15 mins with a subtle improvement, but the first few seconds after were mind-blowing. Highly suggest this product if wrinkled garments are planning your closet." — Desiree Get two full-size bottles, plus a travel-size bottle, from Amazon for $16.99 (available in other sizes/bundles). 51. A Muller veggie chopper to turn your onion-cutting tears into tears of joy when you realize the whole dang thing is diced with one press of the lever. Because your need for fresh salsa can't wait. Amazon, It comes with the chopper itself, a whopping EIGHT blades (three different size choppers, plus blades for julienning, slicing, grating, and regular and fine shredding), and a cleaning brush. Promising review:"This has made my life soooooo much easier. Arthritis and getting old sucks. But this little jewel makes my kitchen fun again. Love the holding box, the choppers, and the mandolin, and a greater. This is a complete tool. I have been buying this brand [ Mueller ] for at least 10 years now and have liked every product I have gotten. The hand-held mixer is the best I have EVER used (and I've had a few )!!!!!!" — Lisa R. Get it from Amazon for $24.86+ (available in two styles). 52. A pack of Avarelle pimple patches formulated with tea tree oil and calendula oil (to heal and shrink zits faster overnight). And they come in the classic circular shape PLUS large, square patches so you can easily treat and shrink clusters of pimples all at once. A lot of reviewers who have also tried Cosrx and Nexcare patches prefer these! Promising review:"I've tried so many brands of pimple spots, and these are hands-down the best on the market. I'm a performer at Walt Disney World, and a clear complexion is required. Last night, I put these on a few acne problems (a small cyst, a Whitehead, and a pimple I shouldn't have picked and has been a bump for about three weeks now.) I just woke up and am writing this review in disbelief. THEY'RE FLAT! Gone! All of them! I could cry I'm so happy. The packaging is also ideal, because it allows you to conveniently and easily peel the stickers off without stretching them out or folding them back on themselves. Do yourself and your complexion a huge favor! Have these on hand for a stubborn zit when you really need help. Make sure you apply them to completely clean and dry skin." — Caitlyn Get them from Amazon: the box of 40 round patches for $8.49 and the pack of eight large square patches for $8.99. 53. A mold and mildew removing gel, because you don't need to get your whole shower redone once this is in your life. Just squeeze out and let this non-drip gel work its magic overnight — NO s c r u b b i n g. Promising review:"Didn't think it would work, but it DID with no scrubbing!! My husband didn't think our grout was originally white, but I knew better. I put this on before bed on a section of grout in the shower, and woke up to gorgeous and bright white, no scrubbing at all the next morning. Just rinse it off. Absolutely buying another bottle. It wasn't quite enough for my entire shower, but to be fair, we have a lot of small tiles. I think 2 bottles will get the whole shower floor. Bravo on a great product." — thekuan Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 54. A handy-dandy silicone paw cleaner designed to fully (but gently) remove dirt, mud, sand, ice melt, and whatever else from your furry friend's feet pronto — and without the hassle of scrubbing. You'll *both* be happier. Promising review:" UPDATE: I've been using this for a few weeks, and I love it. It cleans the salt off my dogs' paws so easily. When it's super dirty and the streets are covered in salt, I'll refresh the water supply. I add a few drops of their doggie shampoo, and it works great. Don't believe the negative reviews. I don't see how they can possibly not know how to use this gadget. It is so easy to use. And the pictures of the German Shepherds and their mess, I find it impossible that this gadget could possibly create that mess. I guess if they are covered in thick mud, then they have to be hosed down, and this product is not a replacement for a bath. I have four dogs in NYC. I have to wash their feet after every walk because the streets are so filthy. It would take me about 10-15 min to clean their paws with a spray bottle and towel. Now, it takes about five minutes. And the towel doesn't end up filthy. The dirt gets caught in the cup. Plus the dogs seem to like it. The silicone bristles must feel good. A huge thumbs-up!" — Sandra Get it from Amazon for $15.60+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 55. A clever little PVC spiral to make rings up to 1.5 sizes smaller without permanent alterations required. Easy peasy! Amazon Promising review:"I lost weight during my pregnancy (and after) and my wedding rings kept falling off. I didn't want to get them resized, have a little ball welded in or wear one of those guards that slide around. I pretty much gave up on wearing them. I saw these in one of those silly BuzzFeed lists about Amazon products. I usually just read those things for a good laugh (really who needs a hedgehog shaped planter) I immediately put this item in my cart and I couldn't be happier! It comes with four sizes. I used the smallest size for my engagement ring. It was super easy to wrap around." — DMA Get a set of four from Amazon for $5.94. 56. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray, which spritzes right on your face whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing. The three simple ingredients are designed to trigger your skin's immune response to tone down redness, calm irritation, and reduce inflammation. Tower 28 Promising reviews:"It really works. I found this product on Instagram, read the reviews, and decided to give it a try. My skin looks transformed after 10 days. My maskne is greatly improved, redness is gone, and my skin feels great. I have aging, oily skin that's still acne-prone, and this product not only had not broken me out, but has eliminated the small breakout I was having. I'm in love." —Bonnie *Another* promising review:" I give 12/10. Holy grail. Undupeable. This tastes like salt and smells like a pool BUT it has calmed my rosacea and healed my cystic acne in a day or two (would normally take weeks). I'm spraying it in my mask to keep maskne away. It's everything. Only downside is I'm going through it so fast that it's going to be an expensive habit. But so far it's worth it." — EssJay Get it from Tower 28 or from Sephora for $28 (also available in a smaller size). Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business that was founded by Amy Liu and is designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are vegan and cruelty free. 57. A single-handed tape dispenser to make wrapping gifts, sealing envelopes, etc., way, way easier — and keep those wrapping jobs TIGHT. Just pull the lever to cut the tape! Am I the only one who ends up with a weirdly baggy gift? Promising review:"My last tape dispenser that was awful. Threading the tape through the mechanism was a PITA. The gears and springs would fall out when you opened the damn thing. Eventually, the tape started to cling to the roller and would rip the paper I was trying to tape. This design is great; the tape self threads itself when you put it on the rubber bands, the tape stays on the inside of the device until you press the trigger to release it, the tape self cuts when you let go of the trigger. Everything can be done with one hand. Wonderful!" — Billster Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in seven colors). 58. A pocket-sized, safer-to-use cutting tool for making small jobs (cutting tape, opening boxes) quicker and easier and tough jobs (that clamshell packaging) less frustrating. Amazon Promising review:"I have a medical disorder that causes my fingers to lose dexterity in cold, and in my job, I have to go into a freezer and open taped up boxes every day. I was having way too much trouble getting the tape off, and didn't want to use a bulky box cutter. So I found this, put them on my keys, and it is ready to go immediately. It hasn't cut me, and I grab my keys over and over a day (I'm a delivery driver) and have yet to be injured. I love this thing! The blade is tiny, but strong. It does not retract, but it's still safe." — Rachel C. Get it from Amazon for $5.12+ (available in 10 colors and in multipacks). 59. A roll of screen repairing tape to quickly patch up a hole or tear in your window screen so you can enjoy all the goooorgeous spring breezes (coming soon!) — without inviting guests. It may not blend in perfectly but hey, it's cheaper than replacing a whole screen! Promising review:"I live in an old home and we are at the point in life where we have done all the big repairs we are going to do. We have holes in quite a few screens which my spouse promised to fix with his mystical screen hole patching prowess. That was years ago and I'm tired of getting eaten alive. I bought a roll of this and in 10 minutes every screen was patched. This product cuts cleanly even with mediocre scissors. It adheres to the existing screen neatly and without a lot of pressure or fuss. I'd say not to worry too much about which color you choose as this product is quite obvious in use. It is really not going to blend. However I don't care; my screens no longer are mosquito boulevards and the product stays put. I'm thrilled, one more job off the list." — Quickbeam Get a roll of 15 feet from Amazon for $8.29 (available in four sizes and two colors). 60. A pepper corer that'll quickly remove the stem, seeds, and core in a jiffy so you can get to slicing, stir-frying, stuffing, or just chomping on a sweet slice of raw bell pepp (a go-to snack of mine). And if you're prepping spicy peppers, they won't irritate your hands! Amazon Promising review:"I love eating raw bell peppers and this handy gadget has been a real time-saver. Removes the core to make slicing up peppers much more efficient. Two thumbs-up for this ingenious kitchen gadget." — I love Amazon Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 61. A few sheets of LED-dimming stickers to finally keep those pesky router, TV, clock, and other electronic lights from ruining your ~room of complete darkness~. They dim 50-80% of the light, so you can still tell that your devices are still actually *on* and functioning. You can always double them up to completely block out the light source if you'd like (many reviewers do this) or buy the stronger **full black-out** edition! Promising review:"This is the best thing you never knew you needed. I own a digital clock with the numbers displayed in red LED light, and every night I've blocked the light with a cover so it doesn't shine in my eyes as I sleep. Silly I know, but I like my room pitch black and cave-like. On a whim I bought this product. OH MY GOD! Game-changer!! For the first night EVER I didn't have to cover the clock display before I went to bed!! I had no idea how big a difference this little dimmer could make, but I'm more than pleased with the result. I can still see the time display just fine, but now my room is a happy cave! Some commenters argue you could get the same effect using electrical tape, regular tape covered in Sharpie, etc., but true to the name of these products if you're looking for something to DIM, then this is for you. Also the product is easy to remove and doesn't leave a sticky residue at all, which can't be said for most tapes. I did notice a slight lag in response when I covered my TV LED sensor, so if you're trying to block something that actually senses inputs I would maybe not suggest this. Other than that, excellent product!" — Amazon Customer Get a sheet of over 100 dimming stickers (in multiple sizes and shapes) from Amazon for $3.99. 62. An odor-eliminating candle that'll truly knock out the worst pet stinks and leave your home smelling ahhh-mazing — without you know, actually having to clean every five seconds. Amazon They're made with soy wax that burns for up to 70 hours, plus the scents are allergy friendly! Promising review:"I have multiple dogs in the house and am always concerned that it smells like that to visitors even cleaning everyday. I have use other candles and melts that add a pleasant smell to the underlying odor, but these do better. I have been able to leave the house for hours and when I first open the door, on my return, I don't smell dog. We recently had a house full of people (many of them pet parents) over for Christmas dinner and it was actually commented 'Your house smells really nice. How do you keep the dog smell out?' I laughed and told them I was just wondering if the candles were working. I guess I got the BEST answer." — LLLTexas Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three scents and in multipacks). Check out our Pet House Candle review for more info. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Los Angeles Times
26-02-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Trump tariffs would be devastating, say Mexican fashion designers
When childhood friends Mercedes de Maria Genoveva Pedrero Setzer and Daniela Novelo Iñiguez founded the fashion brand 'De María' in 2021, their mission was to bring the artisan craftsmanship of Chiapas to the United States — and prove that Mexican goods can be just as luxurious as those manufactured in other parts of the world. In the nearly four years since De María launched its line of handbags, boots and other accessories, the brand has already begun to make a name for itself within the fashion space, having been featured as an emerging Latina-owned label to watch in such publications as Teen Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and W Magazine. But the threat of a looming trade war waged by President Trump, as well as a pervasive skepticism towards the value of Mexican products in the States, has not made for an easy journey. Novelo recalled a client who visited their store in New York City's Lower East Side and tried to argue that the costs of De María's handbags and shoes were far too high for products manufactured in Mexico. 'It should be cheaper because it's made in Mexico,' Novelo remembered the client saying. Novelo was shocked and disheartened. 'This is the value [of] our products, because it comes [from] so much hard work when it comes to starting a brand. Working with the artisans, having that communication, getting the resources, the skills and the materials, ... it takes a lot of time and effort,' she said. President Trump signed an executive order Feb. 1 applying a 25% tariff on all imported goods from Mexico and Canada, citing an 'extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs' as the reasoning behind the new policy. Yet after conversations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Trump agreed to hold off on the new tariff policy for 30 days, under the condition that both countries send more troops to reinforce their respective borders — temporarily halting what could develop into an intense trade war. But on Monday, President Trump announced his decision to proceed with the tariffs in early March. 'It could potentially ruin us as a small business,' Novelo said. An increase in production costs as significant as 25% leaves few options for small businesses that import their products from Mexico. If retailers pull production out of Mexico as a result of the tariffs, it could have harmful economic effects on the country, as Mexico's apparel and textile industry employs more than 524,000 individuals and contributes to 3% of the country's GDP. The U.S. alone receives 89.4% of Mexico's textile exports. As Mexico's largest importer, U.S. support is critical in upholding the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Mexican workers, and the impact of a trade war would be devastating. One day in fall 2015, Pedrero took her grandmother to a Neiman Marcus in Chicago, showing her all the beautiful designs from the myriad designers around the store. As they browsed the store, they came across a striking pair of Valentino boots which caught their attention. They were a pair of black leather heeled booties with a colorful floral pattern of greens, whites, pinks and blues wrapping around each shoe. Pedrero's grandmother noted that they looked exactly like the boots made by the artisans in their hometown of Chiapas, Mexico — except the Valentino boots cost over a thousand dollars, and the Mexican artisans only get paid a small fraction of that for their work. That experience led Pedrero to the realization that luxury fashion has historically been viewed through a dominantly Eurocentric lens, with products designed and manufactured in Europe associated with having higher worth and better quality than those made in Mexico and other countries in Latin America. 'That was the first time I was like, 'Wait, why don't I value things made in Mexico as much as I'm valuing this product that I don't really have any connection to?'' Pedrero said. To Pedrero, close collaboration with Mexican artisans allows her to make sure she's preserving traditional Mexican design techniques and staying true to her roots. 'Everything I do or want to do has to tie back to Mexico,' Pedrero said outside the Tumbao storefront in New York City, which co-hosts De María and provides space for over 50 Latino-owned brands to sell their products on consignment. 'Even though I no longer live there, obviously my heart is there and my family is there.' While Pedrero lives in New York to handle production, shipping and working retail at Tumbao, Novelo resides in Mexico and works from Querétaro as the head of marketing and the liaison with the local artisans based in León. One of their priorities is making sure the Mexican artisans who manufacture their products are being paid fair wages, by allowing them to decide for themselves how much their craftsmanship is worth and not negotiating prices with them. This is also an effort to challenge the misconception that Mexican labor is low value. 'Of the brands that produce in Mexico, we are definitely the ones that pay a higher end to our artisan partners,' Pedrero said. Existing as a small, Mexican- and woman-owned business in today's climate, Pedrero said, is a radical act in itself, and constantly trying to convince the world that Mexican goods are worthy of the 'luxurious' label is a tiring-enough battle, despite Mexico being a global leader in apparel production. 'In this day and age, it feels like I need to show exactly why I deserve to be here,' Pedrero said. Pedrero fears De María's growth as a brand will be stunted as a result of the tariffs, but said the last thing she wants to do is pass the burden of paying that additional fee off to her customers by raising her prices. Instead, she and Novelo would rather cut into their own profit margins so that they can keep production in Mexico, maintain their loyal customer base and stay true to the foundations de María was built upon. 'Luckily, our margins have a little bit of room, which I didn't want the tariffs to take up. Direct to consumer, we can keep our prices as is, but we probably will not be able to wholesale our products,' Pedrero said. De María only wholesales in Japan at the moment, but Pedrero said she hoped to expand that market this year. Yet as tensions surrounding a potential global trade war grow, how small businesses like De María continue to develop from here is entirely up in the air. ' The goal for this year, regardless of [the tariffs], was to grow. As of right now, we're kind of stagnant,' Pedrero said. 'It feels like everyone I talk to, the mentality right now is just: survive.' Rana Alsoufi is a freelance writer and master's candidate at New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.
